If you have high blood sugar levels and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, adding this nutrient-rich vegetable to your diet could make a significant difference.
A new study suggests that consuming a specific vegetable may have a powerful impact on blood sugar regulation.
An Uncommon Superfood?
The vegetable in question is not a common staple on Norwegian dinner tables—but perhaps it should be.
Broccoli sprouts contain a compound called sulforaphane, which has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in individuals at risk of developing diabetes.
The health portal NHI reports that recent research highlights the significant effects of including this vegetable in the diet.
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are slightly elevated, putting individuals at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How Broccoli Sprouts Affect Blood Sugar
A study conducted by the University of Gothenburg examined the effects of sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts on blood sugar levels in individuals with prediabetes.
The study involved 90 overweight participants aged 35 to 75, all of whom had elevated fasting blood sugar. They were divided into two groups:
One group received sulforaphane supplements for 12 weeks.
The other group received a placebo.
After 12 weeks, the results revealed a clear difference: participants who took sulforaphane showed a greater reduction in fasting blood sugar levels compared to those in the placebo group.
Promising Results for Diabetes Prevention
Researchers found that sulforaphane had the most significant impact on individuals showing early signs of mild, age-related diabetes.
While prediabetes is not classified as a disease, lifestyle changes remain the most important factor in preventing diabetes.
Maintaining a healthy diet, quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, and managing weight are key strategies for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Now, researchers believe these new findings could open the door to targeted treatments incorporating sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts into diabetes prevention strategies.
